13 Dec Long Story Short Cafe, Richmond

Another season, another menu. Long Story Short is one of the new kids on the block, joining the ranks of many both established and up-and-coming cafes in Richmond. Previously the site of Zaza’s, just tucked away from Bridge Road, the space has now been transformed into a cafe that is building up a loyal following. As with the previous fit-out, it’s relaxed and friendly inside, but a bit of a refresh gives it a touch more warmth that suits the cafe very well. The coming of a new season provided the kitchen an opportune time to develop their menu further, and a media preview of the new dishes was on the cards.

Hot Chocolate Sphere with Marshmallow ($11.50)

Hot Chocolate Sphere with Marshmallow ($11.50)

Matcha Maiden White Hot Chocolate Sphere with Marshmallow ($11.50)

Matcha Maiden White Hot Chocolate Sphere with Marshmallow ($11.50)

Most of the table ordered one of two hot chocolate spheres: the regular chocolate, or the Matcha Maiden white hot chocolate. They look spectacular, but don’t take too long photographing it otherwise the hot chocolate will cool too much your chocolate sphere won’t melt properly (like mine)! When I first received my Matcha Maiden version, I was puzzled by the absence of the marshmallow, but once the theatrics were over the marshmallows were revealed, previously hidden within the chocolate spheres. Fun, clever and delicious.

Slow Cooked Pork Ribs – Honey Soy Thai Chilli Glaze, Summer Salad ($22)

Moving swiftly onto the main food items, and another winner was the slow cooked pork ribs with honey soy Thai chilli glaze and Summer salad. The meat was pull-apart and tender. The sweet-sounding glaze was not overly so, and the watermelon provided some interesting refreshment.

Pulled Pork Open Sandwich – Kimchi, Pumpkin & Apple Chutney, Chilli, Coriander, Apple, Chives, Macadamia Salad (+ Poached Egg $2.50) $21

The pulled pork open sandwich was a whopper. Mountains of pork and crispy shredded apple were dressed with kimchi, pumpkin and apple chutney, chilli, coriander, chives and accompanied by a macadamia salad and optional poached egg.

Pan-fried Salmon, Quinoa, Buckwheat, Lentils, Barley, Dried Grapes, Smoked Almonds, Dill, Spring Onion, Chives, Celery, Coriander, Seeds ($22)

My order was the pan-fried salmon, with a combination of seeds and grains (quinoa, buckwheat, lentils, barley etc.) plus some dried grapes, smoked almonds, dill, spring onion, chives, celery, and coriander. The fish was cooked well, but nothing stood out in particular and it was a little lacking in seasoning.

Sweet Potato Chips with Black Garlic Aioli ($8)

I did, however, love the sweet potato chips, which were really more like giant chunks of yummy goodness. The moist centre and crunchy crumb made these pretty addictive, especially with the black garlic aioli on the side.

Pepe Saya Buttermilk Pancakes – Caramelised Banana, Peanut Butter, Sour Cream, Vanilla Gelato ($17)

We were pretty full, but we still had a sweet dish to conquer. The fat and fluffy Pepe Saya buttermilk pancakes sandwiched generous slatherings of flavoursome peanut butter and caramelised banana, everything topped off with sour cream and vanilla gelato. These gorgeous looking pancakes were very good, though may be a struggle to finish solo unless you have an empty stomach!

Avocado with Poached Eggs, Toast, Goats Cheese, Seeds, Toasted Almond, Broccolini ($17.50)

Crispy Soft Shell Crab, LSS Slaw, Mint, Fresh Chilli, Coriander, Pikkadilly Seeds, Lemon Mayo ($22)

Spiced & Toasted Crumbs Tempura Soft Shell Crab Bun – Japanese Mayo, Pickled Tomatoes, Coriander, Mint, Dill Salad ($22)

Regular Chocolate and Matcha Maiden White Hot Chocolate Sphere with Marshmallow ($11.50)

The wonderful food and warm atmosphere makes Long Story Short a worthy addition to the Richmond cafe scene.

Disclaimer: I was invited to Long Story Short as a guest, however, opinions expressed here are purely my own and not influenced by them in any way.

Long Story Short Cafe
10/53 Coppin St
Richmond VIC 3121
(03) 9421 6221
http://www.longstoryshortcafe.com.au